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News for Islington Council residents and homeowners www.islington.gov.uk/housing Summer 2016
CONTENTS 2 / News
3/ Safety in the home
4 / Community news
4 / Supporting residents
8/ Noticeboard and diary dates
Government changes to housing law In the last edition of Your Home, we told you about the government’s plans to pass new laws that will mean some big changes for council tenants. You can find out more on this, including the plans for fixed-term tenancies, on pages 6 and 7 of IslingtonLife. Although not all details have been finalised yet, we can now provide some more information on the ‘Tenant Tax’ (or pay to stay as the legislation is also known). This is the government’s new policy for setting higher rents for those households earning more than £40,000 per year. It will be introduced from April 2017. If you live in council housing and have a household income of over £40,000 a year, the government now says you must pay an additional 15p for every £1 earned over £40,000. The extra charge has to be paid by councils to the government. As an example, if your household earns £45,000 a year, you will have to pay an extra £750 a year, which is £14.42 a week. Other examples are shown here: Household income £40,000 £45,000 £50,000 £55,000 £60,000 £65,000 £70,000 £75,000 £80,000
Additional rent each year
Additional rent each week
£0 £750 £1,500 £2,250 £3,000 £3,750 £4,500 £5,250 £6,000
£0 £14.42 £28.85 £43.27 £57.69 £72.12 £86.54 £100.96 £115.38
Only the incomes of the two highest earners will be counted, this could be from either the tenant, the tenant’s partner, or joint tenants. Households with an annual income of less than £40,000, or tenants receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, will not be affected by the ‘Tenant Tax’.
What happens next? The government will tell councils how to implement the new laws in the coming months, and we will be in touch with residents who are likely to be affected. Fighting the ‘Tenant Tax’ Thank you to the many residents who came to a Town Hall meeting in March and told us how the new ‘Tenant Tax’ would affect them. Those stories helped to change the proposals when we lobbied the government and the council will continue to negotiate the best deal for residents. As details of the ‘Tenant Tax’ become clearer, we will write to tenants who we think may be affected, to advise on what information they may need to provide and where to get independent advice.
New housing chief for Islington
Updates on these aspects of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 will be available on our website at www.islington.gov.uk/ housingact
News New housing chief for Islington Cllr Diamaid Ward has been appointed as Islington Council’s new executive member for housing and development. He has joined the council’s executive at a time when Islington is working on its biggest council house-building programme for 30 years, and the borough’s council housing also faces major challenges from the government’s Housing and Planning Act. Cllr Ward will be responsible for areas including housing strategy and supply, housing management, planning policy and development management. He replaces James Murray, who served as Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development for six years, before stepping down in May. Cllr Ward said: “I am very excited about my new post, and look forward to the challenge of continuing the excellent work already happening in Islington.
Like most of London, Islington faces a housing crisis. We are building new council homes, but also face huge challenges from the Government’s new Housing and Planning Act, which will put our council housing under even more pressure. I will work hard to deliver the genuinely affordable housing Islington needs, and to protect council housing. I will also support private renters in Islington to help make sure they have decent places to live, and are treated fairly.” Originally from Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Cllr Ward has lived in Islington for six years. He was elected to Islington Council in 2014 as a councillor for Holloway Ward. Before being appointed as executive member he worked as a legal aid solicitor, specialising in criminal defence, and was a member of the duty solicitor scheme at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.
Concierge officers – helping to keep Islington’s estates safe Islington’s concierge service is responsible for a number of tasks that help to keep the borough’s estates operating smoothly – from chasing up communal repairs and taking in parcels for residents, to opening up football pitches and providing secure fobs for residents. One of the most important elements of the concierge service is monitoring the over 900 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on 33 housing estates across the borough. The service has 11 offices open from between 16 to 24 hours a day. As these offices are based directly on estates, staff really get to know residents and understand life on each estate. Which means they are also more likely to notice something out of the ordinary and spot any anti-social behaviour (ASB) or crime.
We take a look at just a few examples of how the concierge service is helping to keep Islington’s estates safe. yy After an individual was caught on CCTV exposing himself near residents on one of Islington’s estates, images were circulated to the police and council staff. Some weeks later this individual was spotted by the police and arrested. Following action taken by the council, the individual is now banned from all council estates in the borough, with a power of arrest to prevent them from entering council estates until 2018.
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When incidents of ASB and crime do occur, CCTV footage is often able to be used as evidence for action by the police and the council. So far this year, there have been eight arrests made by police as a direct result of action taken by Islington’s concierge service, and CCTV footage gained by them has helped in many other investigations. Islington Council’s Concierge Service Manager, Daniel Tomey said: “Many of our concierge officers have been with us for years and have watched kids on the estates grow up. They work with residents to improve the security and safety on estates, by combining their local knowledge and CCTV expertise. The officers and CCTV cameras provide an excellent deterrent, but when incidents of ASB and crime do occur, we make every effort to make sure the perpetrators are caught.”
yy When two men robbed a pizza delivery person at knifepoint on an Islington estate, the concierge was able to provide CCTV footage of the offenders, which in turn enabled the police to identify and arrest the perpetrators. yy In a final example, a friend of a resident on a local estate was continuously vandalising doors to a specific block. The concierge service was able to identify who was doing this and provide images of the individual to the council’s ASB team. As a result, he was taken to court and is now banned from that block with a power of arrest if the injunction is breached.
Safety in the home
www.islington.gov.uk
Gas safety in your home All residents should be aware of gas safety in the home. While tenants will be contacted about free gas safety inspections each year, if you are a resident leaseholder, it is your responsibility to ensure you have regular gas safety checks. Poorly fitted appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – which is life threatening if not detected. CO is produced when gas appliances (including boilers, cookers and hobs) do not operate effectively, either through poor installation or lack of maintenance. What you can do to make sure you’re safe: yy Keep all ventilation clear of any objects. yy Ensure flues are kept clear. yy Install a carbon monoxide alarm (these can be purchased from hardware stores, and cost around £15.00). yy Have an annual gas safety check.
Free gas safety checks for tenants
Annual Gas Safety Check: yy If you are a resident leaseholder, it is crucial that you organise an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safety registered engineer. yy All engineers must be on the Gas Safety Register, which has replaced CORGI registration. yy You can find an engineer at www. GasSafeRegister.co.uk, or call 0800 408 5500. yy You can call the Gas Safety Advice line free on 0800 300 363 for any advice on how to be gas safe. If you think you have a gas leak: yy Open all windows and doors to get fresh air in immediately. yy Switch off the appliance and do not turn it on again until a Gas Safe registered engineer has checked it. yy Call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999. yy If you are feeling unwell, go to your GP or local hospital straight away, and tell them that you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
Blind cord safety Research carried out by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents shows that there have been at least 30 deaths across the UK due to looped cords since 1999. Most accidental deaths involving blind cords happen in the bedroom and occur in children aged between 16 months and 36 months old.
When your gas safety inspection is due we will write to you offering an appointment. If this appointment isn’t convenient, you can rearrange it for a more convenient time, including evenings and weekends. Please keep your appointment. Remember this is for your safety – don’t put yourself or your family at risk. Did you know? yy Persistently missed appointments could lead to legal action against you. yy Failure to allow access will result in Islington Council seeking a warrant to force entry to your home to complete the safety check. The legal costs may be recharged to you. yy Residents who repeatedly fail to provide access may have their homes fitted with Service Interval Timers that disrupt heating/hot water service until a safety check is completed. For more information please visit www.islington.gov.uk/ gassafety or email GSMT@ islington.gov.uk
Make sure your blinds are safe! yy Install blinds that do not have a cord, particularly in a child’s bedroom. yy Do not place a child’s cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window. yy Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and out of reach. yy Tie up the cords or use one of the many cord tidies, clips or ties that are available. yy Don’t hang drawstring bags where a small child could get their head caught through the loop of the drawstring.
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Community news
From wasteland to wildflower meadow – the transformation of Hood Court Gardens
Hood Court Gardens
We hear from Mayton Street resident and local street gardener, Lynne Friedli on how she and other residents have transformed Hood Court Gardens, N7.
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Restoring Hood Court gardens really began with the transformation of two small patches of wasteland in front of the building. Inspired by the blaze of colour, a few Hood Court residents then asked me to support the creation of a new communal garden. Work began two summers ago, with an enthusiastic group of residents helping myself and fellow gardener Anita, to clear away years of rubble and brambles. The garden already benefits from a wellkept lawn, so we created three large borders, along with a suggestion book for favourite plants and colours. Bright colours, nice smells, herbs for cooking and roses in a variety of colours were among the requests. Herb garden Last year we started a herb garden, which now includes an olive tree, planted by brothers Jim and John in memory of their grandad Roy, as well as three varieties of chilli, requested by the TRA chair Dylan. We’re aiming to include herbs that reflect the many different cooking traditions of residents.
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Community effort We’ve been fortunate to get a small grant from Islington Council to help with costs and have had generous donations of plants both from Hood Court residents and neighbours in Mayton Street and beyond. It takes creativity to garden on a tight budget. And endless cups of tea and jugs of water from resident Peggy, who has dreamed for years of a restored garden, full of flowers. It’s a special pleasure, watching a garden develop. Harrison, aged 5, planted three conkers and we now have three tiny, sturdy horse chestnut trees. Resident Carol, who has spent many hours watering the garden and whose determination has been absolutely invaluable, feels the garden brings people together and lifts the spirits, “Seeing the garden come alive with colour makes you feel good - it’s a bad mood buster!”
Challenges and rewards Of course there are challenges. Watering such a big garden is hard work and depends on residents helping out throughout the summer. But thanks to the enthusiasm of residents including Carol, Nicki, John, Dylan, Fab, Mary and Peggy, all our efforts were rewarded when we won Islington in Bloom’s Best Residential Communal Garden award last year! The wildflower meadow This year, we are probably most proud of our meadow, which stretches for nearly 50 metres in front of the block. Planted by local children, with wild seed donated by Holloway Neighbourhood Group, it’s a riot of poppies, cornflowers, corn marigolds, ox eye daisies and buttercups. These wildflowers provide nectar through the summer, making Mayton Street famous both for the chattering of its hedge sparrows and the buzzing of bees.”
www.islington.gov.uk
Playground revamps ready for the summer Residents will have better play and community spaces to enjoy in time for the summer thanks to a range of improvement projects which have taken place across estates in Islington. The works at Westbourne Estate in N7 and Wenlake Estate in EC1 are all thanks to collaborations between Islington’s housing services, social and environmental charity Groundwork London and local residents. Following extensive consultation with residents on Westbourne Estate and their TRA in 2015, a design to improve the existing run-down football pitch was developed. Works began on the project - funded by Islington Council and London Marathon Trust - in April this year and will be completed in time for the summer holidays. The new astroturf pitch will be a fantastic resource for the local community and encourage residents to be fit, active and healthy. A structured term-time programme of coaching sessions will also be organised by Islington’s housing services. Wenlake Estate In May, over 40 residents of Wenlake Estate came together to celebrate the opening of their new playground. The new site includes a multi-use climbing structure with a slide and monkey bars, a roundabout, swings, and a picnic table along with a brightly coloured safety surface with line markings for floor games. It was funded by Islington Council.
Residents get on board with Upper Deckers
Local residents and young people enthusiastically contributed to the consultation phase of the project in order to achieve a design which best met their needs. Jenny Goble, from the Wenlake Tenant Management The old Wenlake playground Organisation, said: “It’s like a breath of fresh air! It’s taken more than seven years of wishing by children and their parents to have a fit for purpose play area. Now the children dash into it, eager for a swing or climb before they go off to school, as well as on their way home.” Improvements to open spaces at St Luke’s Estate in Old Street and Spa Green Estate in Clerkenwell are also due to complete over the coming months.
A group of pensioners from Girdlestone Community Centre in N19, headed to the Regent’s Canal in April and spent an enjoyable few hours on a narrow boat trip. The morning involved a combination of learning how to open and close the locks and sitting back and enjoying the view on board. The event was organised by Islington Boat Club, as part of their Upper Deckers programme, which offers free watersports sessions for the over 50s. For further information on Upper Deckers call 020 7253 0778 or email bookings@islingtonboatclub.com
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Supporting residents
Healthy turnout for wellbeing event
Over 160 Islington residents over the age of 60 attended the free Keep Moving Health and Wellbeing Event held at Islington’s Assembly Hall this spring. The event, organised by the council’s housing team, provided information to older residents on the range of health services available in the borough as well as advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Residents were pampered with acupressure and Indian head massages. Many also took part in the ‘smoothie bike challenge’, where guests were timed on who could pedal the fastest to make a smoothie, and chair-based exercise and mindfulness mediation sessions.
The raffle held at the event raised over £100 for local charity, Music First. Attendee Abdul Mabarbux, said: “I found out about the event on a visit to my doctor’s surgery. I obtained lots of information on how to stay healthy and where to get help on things such as computing and exercises. And I have now joined Archway Library!” To find out when the next Health and Wellbeing Event is taking place, please contact Tamara Awarieta on 020 7527 5148 or email tamara.awarieta@islington.gov.uk
A helping hand into work
Arsenal in the Community has recently launched a new Saturday Jobs Programme for young people aged 16-18. The scheme provides paid, practical work experience on the Arsenal in the Community Market Stall in Chapel Market, N1 and an introduction to the leisure industry at the Arsenal Hub, N5. Participants work for 12 weeks before being supported into other opportunities. Employability workshops targeted towards individuals aged 50+ are also being delivered. The weekly sessions
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based at the Arsenal Hub offer information, advice and guidance as well as supporting individuals into work. Over the last five years Arsenal in the Community have worked with Islington’s housing services to help over 300 individuals into work, through partnerships with employers from a range of industry sectors. Interested in applying for any of our programmes? Contact Jack Ferguson: jferguson@arsenal.co.uk or 020 7704 4152.
www.islington.gov.uk
Handyperson scheme The council’s handyperson scheme offers help carrying out basic repairs around the home for vulnerable or disabled residents and registered carers of adults.
Only a small fee is charged for services, which include: home maintenance security fixing appliances
carpentry plumbing gas and electrics
You don’t need to be receiving benefits to be eligible to make use of the service.
To find out more and see if one of our team can help you, please contact 0800 694 3344 or 020 7527 5400. Alternatively, you can email repairs.handyperson@islington.gov.uk
Hoping to move? Try Homefinder UK Homefinder Uk helps local authority and housing association tenants find a new home or swap their home for another one in a different part of the UK. It gives greater choice and more opportunity to find social rented homes that are the right size, in the right location and at the right rent if you want, or need, to move. If customers wish to move to a particular area but cannot see any properties that meet their requirements they can contact Homefinder by sending an email to homefinderuk@homeconnections.com and Homefinder will contact landlords in the area they wish to move to. Visit: www.homefinderUK.org T: 020 7619 9705
Prepayment meters, don’t be left in the dark! Prepayment meters are a popular way to pay for gas and electricity, as they help people budget and can help prevent you from getting into debt. However, they are an expensive option and can cost up to £226 more per year compared to paying by direct debit. You normally top-up more in the colder months compared to summer, which can make it hard to budget. And if you can’t top-up for any reason they can leave you without gas or electricity. There are a number of options available for people on prepayment meters to get a better deal, such as switching your energy company.
Contact the Energy Advice Team to find out what we can do to help reduce your energy payments – and leave you with more money in your pocket! You can also watch our videos at W: www.islington.gov.uk/ prepaymentmeters E: energy.advice@islington. gov.uk T: 0800 953 1221 (FREEPHONE) or 020 7527 2121
Home contents insurance – have you got yours? The cost of repairing or replacing personal items can be devastating if you’re not properly insured. Remember, the council does not insure your belongings - it is the responsibility of council tenants and leaseholders to take out a home contents insurance policy in case of fire, theft, flood or vandalism. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ homecontentsinsurance for more information and advice.
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NoticeboardTenants’ and Residents’ panels Upper Street North Panel
Get involved and help us improve We think that council tenants and homeowners are best placed to help us deliver excellent housing services. That’s why we want to improve the way we engage with our residents. There are a number of ways that you can get involved to help shape the way your housing service is delivered, in a range of areas including; repairs, estate services, major building works and anti-social behaviour. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ residentinvolvement to find out more.
Meetings held every six weeks. Contact Christo pher Donovan for future detai ls. Upper Street South Panel
Upper Street West Panel Elthorne Panel
Whittington Panel
St . John Street Panel
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T 020 7527 5148
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to register: rmation and For more info Awarieta on: ara contact Tam 8 020 7527 514 .uk .gov hcdt@islington denttraining .gov.uk/resi www.islington
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For enquiries please contac t: christopher.donovan@ islington.gov.uk or 020 7527 5379
Committee Room 5, Isl ington For enquiries ple ase contact: Town Hall, Upper Stree t, N1 steve.white@islington. Thursday 28 July gov.uk Thursday 29 Septembe r or 020 7527 5378 7pm Westbourne Community For enquiries please contac Centre, Roman Way, N7 t: 8RD ch ristopher.donovan@ Monday 5 September islington.gov.uk 7-8.30pm or 020 7527 5379 Holland Walk Area Hous ing For enquiries please contac Office, 85-88 Holland t: Walk, Liz a.Durrant@islington. N19 3XS gov.uk 14 September or 020 7527 7471 7pm with refreshments from 6.45pm Hilldrop Community Ce ntre, For enquiries please contac Community Lane, N7 0J t: E pa mela.aristokle@ 21 September islington.gov.uk 7pm with refreshments from or 020 7527 74 71 6.45pm Tompion Community Ce ntre, For enquiries please contac 40 Percival Street, EC1 t: va l.barnes@islington.gov. Tuesday 26 July uk Tuesday 27 September or 020 7527 6259 7-9pm
Sign up for the next Cinema Club
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www.islington.gov.uk
in Islington’s housing team are once aga trip for b Clu ema offering a free, sociable Cin on held be will nt the over 60s. The next eve en Gre on en Scre 26 September 2016 at the Cinema, Upper St, N1. shments In April, over 150 residents enjoyed refre Marigold tic Exo t Bes nd and a viewing of The Seco d. Roa y Hotel at the Odeon Hollowa said: June Hyams, who attended the event, ch this, “I wouldn’t ordinarily have chosen to wat want me e mad and film t but it was such a grea great a is Club ma Cine The to visit India one day. ple”. peo new to k spea to me social event enabling